Treatment of Preeclampsia Symptoms through Modulation of Bcl-2 and Beclin-1 Homeostasis Using Kopyor Coconut Water

Fitriana Fitriana ^{1, 5}, Sri Sulistyowati ^{1, 2*}, Dono Indarto ^{1, 3} , Soetrisno Soetrisno ^{1, 4}

Kopyor Coconut Water showed potential in reducing preeclampsia symptoms by modulating autophagy and apoptosis, suggesting therapeutic benefits.

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. The condition, characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation, has complex and poorly understood pathophysiological mechanisms, primarily involving placental dysfunction. Recent studies suggest that autophagy and apoptosis play crucial roles in PE progression. This study investigates the potential therapeutic effects of Kopyor coconut water (KCW) on PE, focusing on its mineral content and impact on placental autophagy and apoptosis. Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced with PE using L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and divided into five groups, including controls and treatments with low-dose aspirin (LDA) and KCW. The mineral content of KCW was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Placental levels of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2 were measured to assess autophagy and apoptosis. Blood pressure and proteinuria were monitored, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Results: KCW contained significant levels of potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential for cellular functions and homeostasis. In L-NAME-induced PE rats, KCW and LDA treatments significantly reduced systolic blood pressure and proteinuria. Placental analysis showed that KCW treatment increased Beclin-1 levels and decreased Bcl-2 levels, indicating enhanced autophagy and reduced apoptosis. Additionally, KCW improved pregnancy outcomes, including the number of live fetuses, without significantly affecting placental weight. Conclusion: KCW's mineral-rich composition effectively modulates placental autophagy and apoptosis, reducing PE symptoms and improving pregnancy outcomes in L-NAME-induced PE rats. These findings suggest that KCW could be a promising nutritional therapy for managing and preventing PE, warranting further research in human studies.

Keywords: Preeclampsia, Preeclampsia, Kopyor Coconut Water, Autophagy, Apoptosis, L-NAME, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, Proteinuria

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